311 Now when all this was finished , all Israel who were present went out to the cities of Judah , broke the pillars in pieces , cut down the Asherim and pulled down the high places and the altars throughout all Judah and Benjamin , as well as in Ephraim and Manasseh , until they had destroyed them all . Then all the sons of Israel returned to their cities , each to his possession .
Matthew Henry's Commentary on 2 Chronicles 31:1
Chapter Contents
Hezekiah destroys idolatry.
After the passover, the people of Israel applied with vigour to destroy the monuments of idolatry. Public ordinances should stir us up to cleanse our hearts, our houses, and shops, from the filth of sin, and the idolatry of covetousness, and to excite others to do the same. The after-improvement of solemn ordinances, is of the greatest importance to personal, family, and public religion. When they had tasted the sweetness of God's ordinance in the late passover, they were free in maintaining the temple service. Those who enjoy the benefit of a settled ministry, will not grudge the expense of it. In all that Hezekiah attempted in God's service, he was earnest and single in his aim and dependence, and was prospered accordingly. Whether we have few or many talents intrusted to us, may we thus seek to improve them, and encourage others to do the same. What is undertaken with a sincere regard to the glory of God, will succeed to our own honour and comfort at last.